Hello Unix gods!

I'm probably a pretty good programmer (on the windows/web/asp/iis side of things) with a good background in IT, but am looking for a new and fresh challenge, hence, I purchased a Sun Ultra5 system with Solaris 7 installed!! I'm quite good when it comes to "IBM compatibles" and the rest but useless in your ring, therefore, I humble myself in your presence and ask your advice so that I may rid myself of Microsoft and understand the sunshine that lives beyond and above in unix land. OK, cutting the crap now, which is the very best purchase I should make book/training wise to fully understand the architecture and fundamentals of the administration of the system. Assuming nothing and treat me as you would all new unix users, with utter contempt.
Thanks in advance
NEWX

First...

Welcome to the dark side.. Glad to hear the light is now shining upon you!

1. There are a few versions of good ol Unix. You can argue till the Sun comes down on which is better. (No pun intended). I don't think you will find to many people to argue that Sun, IBM, and HP are the most popular commercial unix versions. I'd go with Sun just for the fact that you can run it on Intel (x86) and I think you can download Solaris 10 for free. I've heard a lot of good things about 10 but I'm still playing around with Ubuntu Linux right now.

2. Best Unix books on the planet.

*Unix Shells by Example, Fourth Edition by Ellie Quigley
After this book I think everything else is up for grabs.
*Practical Unix and Internet Security is good
*Essential System Administration by O'Reilly is good too

There are not really tailored to a specific version of Unix. I'd pick a version of Unix and then buy a book based on that flavor.

PS. Get a Linux server, workstation, or laptop ASAP and just start playing around. Break things and then reinstall. Try all the different flavors you can. It's a great way to start.

-X

There are great many good UNIX books, but as I stressed more than once, if you really need get UNIX training: get "UNIX Essentials and Core" DVD course. It is best way for a beginner, period. I still review some lessons from time to time as it is exremely refreshing. And not to forget that it comes with a certification... as if you have job in mind it may be important. It takes beginner into mature UNIX workflow in one week. Guys from the development department all have got it and very happy.
Hope it helps.